Teams are now forming locally to participate in the growing Run for God program, which began one year ago at Grove Level Baptist Church in Dalton, Ga., as an idea formed by runners Mitchell and Holly Hollis.
“It’s amazing how Run for God has grown in one year,” said Mitchell Hollis of the program now running in 62 churches spanning 30 states and with one team in Germany. “It all started with a dozen T-shirts that I wore to work out in a gym. I knew people would see the T-shirt and ask me and I could share my faith.”
He said Run for God is a 12-week class with a weekly devotion and a three-day-per-week workout. Run for God runners of all ages learn about proper nutrition, stretching and running. He said runners begin Run for God by taking a five-minute walk then alternating to 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking. He said by the end of the 12-week class teammates run continuously for a 3.1-mile stretch.
Founders of Run for God Mitchell and Holly Hollis are working with local churches to start teams this month.Tyner United Methodist Church is starting a Run for God co-ed team Jan. 19 at 6:15 p.m. and the class continues every Wednesday night for all ages both male and female. So far 10 people have signed up.
“It’s the first time we have brought [Run for God] to our church, so it’s real exciting,” said Tyner team leader Emily Niehaus, who will be assisted by her husband Matt and their son Benjamin. “It’s important to take care of our bodies that God has given us.”
As part of its mission, Run for God quotes Hebrews 12:1 that reads “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
In addition to the spiritual benefits, Hollis said some 2010 Run for God participants lost 60 to 70 pounds.
“Run for God is about preparing others to be a better witness for Christ – physically, mentally and spiritually,” he said.
Area Run for God participants are setting goals to run in marathons at Prater’s Mill April 9 and at Chickamauga-Chattanooga Battlefield April 16.